Last updated on September 24, 2019
Do you enjoy tinkering with your boat or motorcycle but wish you knew more about engines? DCCCD’s Engine Technology program is for you. Hope to turn your interest in engines into a career? There’s no better place to get the training you need than Engine Technology.
In the Engine Technology program, offered at DCCCD’s Cedar Valley College, you’ll not only learn up-to-date troubleshooting and repair techniques, but you’ll also gain hands-on experience that will allow you to go right to work at a dealership or on your next project.
Cedar Valley’s program gives you three certificate options:
The Motorcycle Technology Certificate trains students to meet entry-level requirements as motorcycle mechanics. Your hands-on training will teach you about:
- Chassis and drive systems
- Engine overhaul
- Transmissions, both two-stroke and four-stroke
- Domestic and foreign motorcycles
- Fuel, ignition and electrical systems
- Factory-recommended techniques
- Tuneup techniques
- Dynamometer (motorcycle only)
You’ll also get cooperative education experience as a paid dealership employee.
The Marine Technology Certificate is designed to train students to meet entry-level requirements as marine engine mechanics. You’ll learn about:
- Accepted shop techniques used throughout the outboard marine engine service industry
- Electrical, fuel and ignition systems
- Engine overhaul and tuneup
- Marine drive systems
- Theory, diagnosis, repair, overhaul and maintenance of outboard marine engines
The Small Engine Technology Certificate trains students to meet entry-level requirements in the field of small engine mechanics. You’ll learn about engines used on lawn mowers, garden tractors and other small equipment, including:
- Accepted shop techniques used throughout the small-engine-powered equipment industry
- Belt, chain, direct-drive and hydraulic power systems
- Engine overhaul and tuneup
- Small engine carburetion and electrical systems
- Theory, diagnosis, repair, overhaul and maintenance of small engines
The Motorcycle Technology Certificate can be completed in two full semesters (Fall or Spring) plus a summer session; the Marine Technology and Small Engine Technology certificates are designed to be completed in two full semesters.
With any of the programs, you’ll be able to attend engine service update seminars.
With marine and motorcycle engines becoming increasingly complex, formal training is necessary in these fields. While many mechanics learn on the job or by working in a related occupation, those with formal training may have an easier time entering the work force. Skills learned as a small-engine repairer may transfer to similar occupations, such as automotive, diesel or heavy vehicle mechanics.
Salaries for small-engine mechanics depend on experience, skill level and location, but according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, there are more available jobs with higher average salaries in Texas than in the rest of the nation.
To get started in the Engine Technology program, complete the admissions process at Cedar Valley College. When you meet with an academic advisor, mention your interest in the Engine Technology program so he or she can help you determine which courses you should take, or contact the Engine Technology program coordinator.